Travel Planning

Japan Travel FAQ: 50 Questions First-Timers Ask

By JAPN Published

Japan Travel FAQ: 50 Questions First-Time Visitors Ask

Japan is one of the easiest countries in Asia to navigate as a tourist, but first-time visitors still have dozens of questions before boarding their flight. These 50 questions cover visas, money, transport, food, etiquette, and practical logistics.

Entry and Visas

1. Do I need a visa to visit Japan?

Citizens of 73 countries and regions (including the US, Canada, UK, EU, and Australia) can enter Japan visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism. Citizens of China, Russia, the Philippines, and some other countries must obtain a visa before arrival.

2. Do I need to fill out anything before arrival?

Yes. Complete the Visit Japan Web registration online before your flight. It combines customs declaration and immigration forms. Having the QR codes ready on your phone speeds up arrival processing.

3. Do I need travel insurance?

It is not mandatory for visa-free travelers, but strongly recommended. Japanese hospitals require payment upfront, and a single ER visit can cost 30,000 to 100,000+ yen. Our japan travel insurance guide compares policies.

4. How long should I spend in Japan?

A minimum of 7 days covers Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Ten to 14 days allows day trips and regional exploration. Three weeks lets you move at a relaxed pace and visit off-the-beaten-path destinations. See our japan travel guide 2026 for itinerary planning.

5. What are the new travel rules for 2026?

Tax-free shopping was tightened in April 2025, requiring Temporary Visitor status and passport presentation. IC card availability has improved with unregistered Suica cards back on sale since March 2025. See our japan tax free shopping guide.

Money

6. Is Japan expensive?

Less than you might expect in 2026. The weak yen provides 25% to 30% savings for USD holders. Budget travelers can manage on $80 to $120 per day. Mid-range comfort runs $170 to $270. See our japan trip cost guide for a full breakdown.

7. Should I bring cash?

Yes. Japan remains cash-dependent in smaller restaurants, temples, rural areas, and some vending machines. Withdraw yen from 7-Eleven ATMs, which accept international cards with no transaction fee. Carry 10,000 to 20,000 yen at all times.

8. Should I exchange money before arrival?

Not necessary. Airport exchange rates are reasonable, and 7-Eleven ATMs are available everywhere. Exchanging a small amount ($100 to $200 worth) at your home bank for immediate expenses upon arrival is sufficient.

9. Do I tip in Japan?

No. Tipping is not practiced and can cause confusion or discomfort. Service charges are included in restaurant bills. Our japan tipping culture guide explains the context.

10. Can I use credit cards?

Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted at chain hotels, department stores, larger restaurants, and convenience stores. Smaller izakayas, local shops, and many temples are cash-only.

Transport

11. Should I get a JR Pass?

Only if your Shinkansen fares exceed the pass cost. The 7-day pass costs 50,000 yen. A Tokyo-Kyoto round trip is only 27,940 yen. Regional passes often offer better value. Our best japan rail pass 2026 includes a calculator.

12. What is a Suica card?

A rechargeable IC card that works on virtually all trains, buses, and at convenience stores and vending machines throughout Japan. Get one at any JR ticket machine or download the Suica mobile app. Our suica pasmo ic cards guide covers setup.

13. How do I navigate Tokyo’s train system?

Tokyo has 13 subway lines plus multiple JR and private railway lines. Use Google Maps or the Navitime app for route planning. Color-coded lines and English signage make navigation straightforward. Our tokyo train system guide explains the system.

14. How fast is the bullet train?

The Shinkansen reaches speeds up to 320 km/h. Tokyo to Kyoto takes 2 hours 15 minutes. Tokyo to Osaka takes 2 hours 30 minutes. Trains depart every 10 to 20 minutes on major routes.

15. Should I rent a car?

In major cities, no. Trains are faster and parking is expensive. In rural areas (Hokkaido, Shikoku, Kyushu countryside), a rental car provides essential flexibility. Our renting car japan guide covers requirements.

16. How do I get from the airport to the city?

From Narita to Tokyo: Narita Express (60 minutes, 3,250 yen) or Keisei Skyliner (45 minutes, 2,520 yen). From Kansai to Osaka: Haruka Express (50 minutes, 1,800 yen with discount). Our japan airport transfer guide covers all options.

17. Can I ship my luggage between cities?

Yes. Takkyubin (luggage forwarding) services at convenience stores and hotels deliver bags to your next hotel for 1,500 to 2,500 yen per bag, arriving next day. Travel light between cities and let your luggage meet you there. See our japan luggage forwarding guide.

Accommodation

18. What types of accommodation are available?

Business hotels ($50-$100), ryokan traditional inns ($100-$500+), capsule hotels ($25-$50), hostels ($15-$35), and international chain hotels ($100-$700+). Our japan hotel booking tips covers each type.

19. Should I stay in a ryokan?

At least once. The traditional inn experience includes tatami rooms, futon beds, yukata robes, communal hot spring baths, and multi-course kaiseki dinner. Our booking ryokan guide explains what to expect.

20. What about capsule hotels?

A unique Japanese experience. Each capsule is roughly the size of a single bed with a TV, outlets, and privacy curtain. Shared bathrooms and lockers. Budget-friendly and often located near major stations. Our japan capsule hotel guide covers the best options.

Food

21. What should I eat first?

Ramen. Every neighborhood has its own style, and a bowl costs 800 to 1,200 yen. After that: sushi at a conveyor belt restaurant (110 to 330 yen per plate), takoyaki in Osaka, and onigiri from any convenience store. See our ramen guide japan.

22. How do I order at a restaurant?

Many restaurants use ticket vending machines (shokkenki) at the entrance. Insert money, press the button for your dish, hand the ticket to staff. At sit-down restaurants, the server brings a menu. Point and say “kore kudasai” (this, please).

23. Are there options for vegetarians and vegans?

Yes, though it requires planning. Buddhist temple cuisine (shojin ryori) is fully vegan. Many ramen shops offer soy-based broth. Convenience stores carry vegetable onigiri and salads. Our japan vegetarian vegan guide covers strategies.

24. Are convenience store meals actually good?

Excellent. 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart serve fresh onigiri (120-180 yen), bento boxes (400-600 yen), fried chicken, egg sandwiches, and desserts that rival sit-down restaurants in quality. See our japan convenience store guide.

25. Is it safe to eat street food?

Extremely safe. Japan maintains some of the strictest food hygiene standards in the world. Street vendors in areas like Dotonbori (Osaka), Tsukiji (Tokyo), and Nishiki Market (Kyoto) are reliable.

Language

26. Do I need to speak Japanese?

No. Major train stations, tourist areas, and chain restaurants have English signage. Staff at hotels and airports generally speak basic English. Download Google Translate with the Japanese offline pack for menus and signs. Our survival japanese phrases guide covers essential words.

27. What phrases should I learn?

  • Sumimasen (excuse me / sorry)
  • Arigatou gozaimasu (thank you)
  • Kudasai (please, when requesting)
  • Eigo no menu wa arimasu ka (do you have an English menu?)
  • Okanjo kudasai (check, please)

28. Will Google Translate work?

Yes. The camera mode reads Japanese text (menus, signs, labels) through your phone camera and overlays English translations. Download the Japanese language pack for offline use before departure.

Etiquette

29. What are the key etiquette rules?

Remove shoes before entering homes, temples, and many restaurants (look for a genkan entryway with shoe shelves). Do not eat while walking. Keep your voice low on trains. Queue orderly. Bow slightly when greeting. Our japan etiquette guide provides the full list.

30. Can I use my phone on trains?

Yes, but keep it on silent mode (manner mode) and avoid phone calls. Texting and browsing are fine. Priority seating areas near doors require phones to be switched off entirely.

31. What about tattoos and onsen?

Many traditional onsen ban visible tattoos due to their association with yakuza. Private onsen rooms are available at most ryokan. Cover stickers (tattoo concealing patches) are increasingly accepted. Our japan tattoo onsen rules guide covers current policies.

32. How do I visit a shrine or temple properly?

Bow at the gate. At shrines, wash hands and mouth at the purification fountain (temizuya). Toss a coin (5-yen coins are considered lucky), bow twice, clap twice, pray, bow once. At temples, burn incense and pray without clapping. See our temple shrine visit guide.

Connectivity

33. How do I get internet access?

Get an eSIM before departure (cheapest for solo travelers), rent a pocket WiFi (best for groups needing multiple device connections), or buy a physical SIM at the airport. Our best pocket wifi sim japan 2026 compares current options.

34. Does free WiFi exist?

Limited. Convenience stores, train stations, and some restaurants offer free WiFi, but it is unreliable for navigation. Get a dedicated data plan. Our japan sim card pocket wifi guide covers the options.

Practical

35. What voltage are the outlets?

100V with Type A (two flat pins) outlets, same as North American plugs. European and UK plugs need an adapter. Hair dryers and chargers with 100-240V labels work without a converter. See our japan electricity outlets.

36. Where do I store luggage while sightseeing?

Coin lockers at every train station accept IC cards and cost 300 to 700 yen per day depending on size. For larger bags, luggage storage services like ecbo cloak let you reserve space at nearby shops. See our japan coin lockers guide.

37. Is Japan safe?

Extremely safe. Japan consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world for travelers. Violent crime is rare. Lost items are routinely returned. Trains run on time. Exercise normal precautions in nightlife districts.

38. Do I need earthquake preparedness?

Minor earthquakes are common and rarely dangerous. Major earthquakes are rare but possible. Know your hotel’s evacuation route. Follow NHK World (English-language emergency alerts). Our japan earthquake preparedness guide covers what to do.

39. What should I pack?

Comfortable walking shoes (you will walk 15,000+ steps daily), layers for variable weather, slip-on shoes for temple visits, a compact umbrella, and a portable battery. See our japan packing checklist by season.

40. How does garbage disposal work?

Public trash cans are rare. Carry a small bag for trash and dispose at your hotel or convenience stores (where you can also use their trash cans after a purchase). See our japan garbage recycling.

Shopping

41. How does tax-free shopping work?

Non-residents with Temporary Visitor status can get the 10% consumption tax refunded on purchases over 5,000 yen at participating stores. Present your passport at checkout. See our japan tax free shopping guide.

42. What souvenirs should I buy?

Regional food specialties (omiyage), Japanese ceramics, tenugui hand towels, matcha products, stationery from Tokyu Hands or Loft, and traditional crafts. See our japan food souvenirs guide.

Seasons

43. When is cherry blossom season?

Late March to mid-April, varying by latitude. Tokyo and Kyoto typically peak in early April. The Japan Meteorological Corporation publishes forecasts starting in January. See our cherry blossom forecast.

44. When is autumn foliage?

Late September in Hokkaido, mid-November in Tokyo and Kyoto, December in southern Japan. See our autumn leaves japan.

45. When is typhoon season?

August through October. Typhoons occasionally disrupt travel plans with cancelled trains and flights. Check forecasts and have flexible backup plans. See our japan typhoon season.

Day Trips

46. What day trips work from Tokyo?

Hakone (Mount Fuji views, 90 minutes), Kamakura (Great Buddha, 60 minutes), Nikko (shrines, 2 hours), Yokohama (Chinatown, 30 minutes). See our hakone hot springs guide and kamakura day trip.

47. What day trips work from Kyoto?

Nara (deer park, 45 minutes), Osaka (food, 15 minutes), Himeji Castle (1 hour), Uji (matcha, 20 minutes). See our nara deer park guide.

48. Can I do a day trip to Mount Fuji?

Yes, from Tokyo. The Fuji Five Lakes area is reachable in 2 hours by bus from Shinjuku. Climbing Fuji is only possible during the official season (early July to early September). See our mount fuji climbing guide.

Planning

49. When should I book?

2 to 3 months ahead for spring and autumn travel. 1 month for summer and winter. JR Pass vouchers ship internationally and take 1 to 2 weeks, so order early.

50. What apps should I download?

Google Maps (real-time transit), Navitime (Japanese train schedules), Google Translate (camera mode for menus), Suica mobile (IC card), and Tabelog (restaurant reviews, Japanese Yelp). See our japan travel apps.

Key Takeaways

  • Visa-free entry for 73 countries including the US, up to 90 days
  • Cash is still essential in Japan; withdraw from 7-Eleven ATMs
  • Get a Suica card and download Google Maps immediately upon arrival
  • No tipping; remove shoes at entrances; keep quiet on trains
  • Budget $80 to $270 per day depending on travel style

Next Steps

Information is current as of March 2026. Verify visa requirements, transport pricing, and regulations with official sources before travel. Conditions change seasonally and annually.

Sources: JNTO Travel FAQ, Japan Trails Entry Requirements, RyuKoch Japan 2026 Changes